The Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) snuck their way into the final of the Noble House Seafoods second division two-day tournament after they fended off a strong-willed final day bowling performance by Malteenoes at the GCC, yesterday.
It was an exciting rain-affected final day which began at 14:45 under cloudy skies.
MSC who ended day one on 211 for five, declared their innings closed without returning to the crease after the entire second-day morning session was abandoned.
GCC who only needed to avoid a first innings defeat to book a spot in the final, ended the match on 77-7, which nearly cost them the match.
Off-spinner Nkosi Barker was the chief wicket-taker, finishing with figures of 4 – 17 from six overs, a spell which almost spurred his side into the final.
It was a woeful batting performance by GCC which began with the wicket of skipper Kemraj Jaikaran (1) who was caught at point, flashing a delivery from seamer Cordell Mars.
Barker got into the act by dislodging Timothy Mc Almont (6) with a peach of a delivery which struck his off pole to send his side into jubilation under the dark skies at the former Test venue to leave the score on 11 -2.
Opener Marlon Persaud and Deonarine Seegobin then formed a brief partnership and settled the innings for a few overs before the latter became Barker’s second victim.
His demise brought Guyana Jaguars selectee Ronaldo Mohamed – the prize wicket – to the crease. Mohamed quickly got his innings going by smashing leg-spinner Wayne Bollers for a couple of maximums.
Bollers, however, had the final say as he induced another big shot from Mohamed (14) which found the mid – off fielder to send him back into the pavilion with the score resting on 54 – 4.
Three other quick wickets fell which kept MSC in the hunt before Bernard Bailey (12*) produced a sterling defensive effort for nearly an hour to see his side safely to the close. Barker who bowled threateningly all day, ended with 4-17 while Mars who bowled with good steam finished with 2-16.
Meanwhile, the final day between Police Sports Club (PSC) and Everest was abandoned without a ball being bowled. That result meant that PSC advanced to the final having won first innings points on day one. Scores in that match: Everest 137 – Hemchand Persaud 7-12 while PSC in response ended day one on 142 for four.
